Should we admire the shrewd steward (Luke 16.1–9)? Moral exemplarism and Christian ethics

The parable of the shrewd steward (Luke 16.1–9) is notoriously difficult to interpret. We encounter a figure who, when threatened with dismissal, dishonestly erases the debts of his master’s debtors. Yet, surprisingly, the master commends the steward. So, what exactly are we meant to admire in the s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: David, Edward A. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage 2023
In: Theology
Year: 2023, Volume: 126, Issue: 3, Pages: 192-200
IxTheo Classification:HC New Testament
NCA Ethics
Further subjects:B Parables
B divine motivation theory
B Role models
B exemplarist moral theory
B Linda Zagzebski
B Gospel of Luke
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Summary:The parable of the shrewd steward (Luke 16.1–9) is notoriously difficult to interpret. We encounter a figure who, when threatened with dismissal, dishonestly erases the debts of his master’s debtors. Yet, surprisingly, the master commends the steward. So, what exactly are we meant to admire in the steward? With help from Linda Zagzebski’s theory of moral exemplarism, I discuss why we should – and should not – consider the steward to be morally exemplary. I also consider the place of moral exemplars within Christian ethics.
ISSN:2044-2696
Contains:Enthalten in: Theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0040571X231171281